Apple loses out to HBO on J.J. Abrams’ next big sci-fi hit

Do you remember the day everyone realised Netflix’s original content drive would seriously challenge the big networks?

It was March 16 2011, when the streaming firm outbid HBO for the rights to adapt House of Cards. The rest, just like Kevin Spacey’s role in the show, is history.

Unfortunately for Apple, it is yet to clear that metaphorical hurdle because it just lost out to HBO on the J.J. Abrams next sci-fi TV series.

HBO will develop ‘Demimonde’, which is the first show written by Abrams since 2008’s Fringe. The US TV giant is describing it as “an epic and intimate sci-fi fantasy drama.”

The Hollywood Reporter’s sources says Apple lost out to HBO in part due to the Abrams current relationship with HBO.

Sources note that Abrams was impressed with what the premium cable network did with Westworld, making HBO the frontrunner for the series over deep-pocketed rival Apple.

Westworld, of course, was a giant hit for HBO, with a second season planned for this year.

Apple loves Reese’s pieces

Apple’s original content ambitions are slowly gathering pace. The company has signed on for three shows with Reese Witherspoon’s production company Hello Sunshine.

Last last month, the firm snapped up an as-yet unnamed 10-episode comedy series starring SNL and Ghostbusters star Kristen Wig.

Apple has also bought the rights to a ‘morning show drama series’ written by Witherspoon and Jennifer Aniston.

Late last year, it also signed on to reboot Steve Spielberg’s Amazing Stories, while it also has the Carpool Karaoke spin off, which is airing on Apple Music.

Persisting rumours suggest Apple is interesting in using some of its gigantic cash hoard to buy Netflix outright. In that instance, it wouldn’t need to worry about buying original content of its own.

Do you think Apple is right to pursue original television content? Drop us a line @TrustedReviews on Twitter.

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